China Coast Guard Defies Philippines in West Philippine Sea

China Coast Guard Vessel Ignores Philippine Challenge in West Philippine Sea A China Coast Guard vessel was recently sighted operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Zambales. This incident, reported by GMA News, underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) attempted to communicate with the Chinese vessel via radio, but their calls went unanswered, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. "I don't think that we can hold them accountable for not responding," Tarriela stated, "but definitely we are challenging their illegal presence here in our exclusive economic zone." The video footage shows the Chinese vessel and the PCG's BRP Cabra responding to a distressed Filipino fishing vessel, FFB Jan Jan, damaged by bad weather. The PCG's prompt response to the Filipino fishing boat contrasts sharply with the Chinese vessel's lack of response to the PCG's radio challenge. The incident highlights the complexities of maritime law enforcement and the ongoing tensions in the region. The Chinese vessel eventually left the area, according to the PCG.